In a city that’s seen a surge of design-driven boutique hotels over the past few years, Casa Palma Hotel & Bungalows slides effortlessly into the mix — refined, recreation-forward, and its own distinct take on modern desert luxury. Now open on the former site of the Desert Sun Resort, a mile from downtown and the international airport, new owners Ryan and Rochelle Jaleh, designers and entrepreneurs based in San Clemente, were drawn to the property’s layered past and cinematic charm.
Mid-century Glamor meets Desert Modern
Before it was a members-only resort, the grounds were home to The Normandy, a private retreat built in 1943 by Errol Flynn, the screen legend whose larger-than-life persona extended beyond the studio.
Long associated with a sense of freedom and play, the site inspired the Jalehs to reinterpret that spirit through a modern lens—creating a space where design, wellness, and fun coexist. That spirit infuses every inch of Casa Palma. The bougainvillea-draped front entrance glows white against the desert sun, within, its minimalist façade is softened by turquoise and gold accents and Greco-Mediterranean tile stairs.
Set across 2.5 acres, the 33-room property — a mix of 22 guestrooms and 11 suites — feels glamorous yet grounded. In the two-story Tower Building, Studio King rooms overlook the main pool, while upper-level accommodations boast mountain views. Meanwhile, the Grand Suites and Superior Kings are tucked within the Bungalow Building, encircling a serene courtyard anchored by a restored fountain.
Inside, the palette shifts to seafoam green and slate blue, layered with natural woods, woven textures, and white linens that catch the afternoon light. The Jalehs’ design philosophy is one of restraint — elegance without excess. Conceived for the discerning traveler who has outgrown the party scene of their twenties, Casa Palma invites those who still value connection, activity, and beauty, but seek quiet sophistication.
Across the property, that balance plays out through thoughtful contrasts: two sparkling pools, one devoted to relaxation and another to water volleyball should the mood strike; a tennis court with pickleball overlays for casual play, a croquet set and board games; and a scattering of fruit-laden citrus (guests can pick lemons and grapefruits when in season) and mature olive trees. The rhythm of the day moves easily between movement and moments of reflection — perhaps an impromptu game on the court, followed by a nap in the shade of the retro Italian Riviera-style umbrellas.
Casa Palma’s landscape is punctuated by intimate gathering points: a cozy firepit for late-night conversation, and a billiards table beside the well-equipped fitness room (see: the free weights, yoga mats, a running machine, and Peloton bike). Complimentary bicycles encourage guests to pedal into town — a few minutes away through the Movie Colony neighborhood — to explore the shops and restaurants along Palm Canyon Drive.
A connection to the city’s mid-century soul is palpable, yet Casa Palma sidesteps nostalgia in favor of reinvention. Its ultra-white exterior, softened by towering palm trees and well-manicured gardens, feels both fresh and timeless, while subtle nods to its Hollywood heritage remain — among them, three carefully preserved lion head water features that once graced the original fountain. For the Jalehs, honoring what came before was essential; their vision was not to recreate the past, but to reveal its character.
Soft opened and operating on weekends, the hotel’s Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, Chiquita, channels the warmth of a family table reimagined as a refined dining room. General manager Alison Fletcher shares that the focus is on ingredient-driven cuisine served in a convivial setting with mountain views. For now, the menu features salads, wraps, and sliders, complemented by a curated bar program of cocktails — including signatures like the Colada Palma, made with white and coconut rums, and the Casa Paloma, crafted with blanco tequila.
Fletcher adds a poolside service is slated to begin soon and that the space will eventually host pop-ups and community events. Coffee and pastries are available for guests to grab and enjoy on weekday mornings, and a small but well-stocked market in the lobby carries drinks and snacks, plus Casa Palma-branded totes and water bottles.
The restaurant, like the rest of the property, embodies the Jalehs’ larger philosophy: that travel can be grounding and joyful, creating experiences that invite movement and rest in equal measure: mornings playing pickleball, afternoons relaxing poolside, and evenings sharing dinner with friends.
Though Casa Palma sits within easy reach of Palm Springs’ vibrant downtown — with its vintage shops, art museums, plus seasonal festivals like Coachella and Modernism Week — it feels distinctly self-contained. Refined but unpretentious, the atmosphere is social but never loud. The design encourages connection and retreat: friendships have been made beside the pool, while some guests prefer the quiet of their bungalows.
At sunset, the property transforms: the mountains blaze gold and the pools shimmer. For those seeking a modern hideaway that honors Palm Springs’ history while embracing its next chapter, Casa Palma provides a grown-up hideaway still in touch with its playful side. casapalmapalmsprings.com
